Infertility Diaries: Anyone think the Duggars are just showing off?

Alternate Title: Anyone Think I Need Therapy?

Because I maybe need to talk to somoene about my irritation upon finding out that the Duggars, those baby-making superstars, are expecting their 18th child on January 1, 2009.

I mean, I am sure they are very nice people. Obviously I don't know them, and if I did know them, I would totally have to avoid them because HOLY FREAKING FERTILE! But if this baby is due on 1/1, what is she? Like three weeks pregnant? She announced it on Friday on the TODAY show, and in the interview she says that they knew since Monday. And it was really hard to keep it a secret because her girls watch the calendar like hawks. You know, in anticipation of another baby.

Enter: irritation.

Really, I don't know if I even want to write about how unfair it is that some people can repeatedly get pregnant easily, even those people who do not want to be pregnant. I don't want to open the can of worms about how the Duggars decided to pray to God, and to accept as many children as he allowed, when there are thousands of women praying for JUST ONE, and still not being able to conceive. I don't know if I want to start the discussion about the Pope confirming the stance that assisted reproduction is wrong. Or how many people who follow the Catholic Church are feeling ashamed and alone because of this opinion.

The bottom line is that I am so thrown off by this particular injustice, that it is all I want to talk about. And nobody wants to hear me talk about how unfair my life is because come on! Get over it already!

I've considered going to see a therapist. My reproductive endocrinologist works with a psychiatrist who specializes in infertility. But really, I can't see it helping. What am I going to say to a therapist that I don't already say to my blog,and thus, the world wide web?

Here's how I picture this going:

Shrink: So, what seems to be the issue?

Me: I can't have a baby.

Shrink: Hmm...I see. How does that make you feel?

Me: Pissed off.

Shrink: Right. Well, time's up! We've made some real progress here.

Me: Um...

Shrink: See you next week.

How about you? Have you sought therapy to deal with infertility? Do you find that it helps?

Posted by Jen

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From the Community…

Comments 1-8 of 8

Posted by twiddle Mon May 12, 2008 9:10pm PDT

SHRINK:how often do you have sex.YOU:every day,every night, every minute i get the chance.SHRINK:you are doing it all wrong, you have to let the sperms get strong, in my next session i will tell you what position is best.

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Posted by mrs. m. Tue May 13, 2008 8:17am PDT

18 kids??? that is a huge strain on the environment.

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Posted by Jen Tue May 13, 2008 8:38am PDT

Not to mention on people's taxes. Who's money do you think is supporting all those 18 kids. Not the parents. The tax payer that's who. Anyway, God love them. Kids are a blessing, I should know I have 2 young ones but yes it does appear that they are flaughting it in a way. Look at me, Look at me. I feel sorry for those who want to have kids and can't.
What about adoption. If the government would make it easier then that would be a wonderful option for infertile couples who want a child and can't. Their are lot's of children without parents and many more around the world who lost their parents. Just got to make getting through all that red tape easier. Also, I don't see anything wrong with a couple seeking medical help to help them conceive where otherwise they might not. I think God instilled in the scientific community the knowledge to help these people where it might not happen or be an option. Anyway, just my 2 cents. Hang in their Jen. You might not think it can happen and that it's a dead in road but I'm a much older Mom who didn't have any type of hope and now I have 2 beautiful rugrats I'm totally greatful for. Jen:}

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Posted by Red Tue May 13, 2008 9:19am PDT

I have a three year old daughter and her DAD & I aren't together anymore, but he has like two other little girls a couple of months younger than my daughter by two other women & none lf them are his girlfriend. He cheated on his girlfriend with all three of us & get this.. she can't have kids as he says. Anyway that's a whole nother blog topic right! Like I said I have a three year old... It took me forever to have her.. I mean forever... I was doing it every day & every night. My boyfriend & I have been together for a year. He is twenty- seven with no kids.... I am ready to have another baby, but every month its the same thing.. the "RED ENEMY" shows up to let me know I'm not pregnant. My boyfriends mother makes it worse because she wants me to have a baby. I'm doing all I can, you know. I don't know If I am infertile, but If I don't get pregnant by the end of this year I'm getting tested for infertility or something. It hurts me to think that I won't be able to give my man anymore children... children of his own... our own. When you love someone so much.... (I'm starting to get depressed), but eighteen children is out of this world man! I need to talk to her & see what the heck her trick is or what kind of water she's drinking... It must be flavored or something!!!! My sister just had a beautiful baby boy & she already has a four year old. I avoid her as much as possible right now, because I am a little sensitive at the moment. (Tear)

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Posted by she with the little feet!!!! Tue May 13, 2008 10:23am PDT

I'll just add that it isn't just those who haven't been able to have a baby who are vaguely irritated and feel that the D's are showing off. If they weren't showing off, would they be on Discovery Health, the Today Show, and what else?
My irritation: the older children aren't getting to be children. They are raising their younger sibs. Of course they're checking the calendar, they're wondering when their workload is going to increase. Eight and ten year olds shouldn't be saying that what they like best about their new house is the kitchen and laundry room because it will make their chores that much easier. You shouldn't have to "schedule" time with Mom on a wipe off board!

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Posted by Stephanie W Tue May 13, 2008 11:02am PDT

The Duggars are a wonderful family! And no our tax dollars are NOT paying for their expenses! Anyone who has seen the special knows that they are debt free, not living on govt handouts! The children all seem very happy.

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Posted by shannonnmelvin Tue May 13, 2008 2:12pm PDT

All I can say is GET OVER IT! ADOPT!!! And ppl need to stop assuming that they are living off the taxpayer's money. GROW UP PPL!

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Posted by lnphillippe Sat May 17, 2008 8:22am PDT

Way to go I'm so happy for her I always wanted a large family, my mom was one of 11 kids and my dad was one of 13 I had four one of which I adopted to a very nice family who could not have any, and my three that I have I love to pieces, god bless and take care.

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Comments 1-8 of 8

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